As a solo camper, it’s essential to have meals that are easy to prepare, delicious, and nutritious. Coming up with fun, delicious, and easy camping recipes can feel like a chore sometimes. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Whether you’re hiking, backpacking, or camping in a remote location, having a variety of meals to choose from can make your camping trip more enjoyable. In this post, I’ll share 10 easy recipes for solo camping that are sure to satisfy your hunger and taste buds.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. I will always ONLY link products that I have personally used and believe in, or it will just be a general search page. Support through using links on small sites is always GREATLY appreciated!
10 Easy Camping Recipes For Solo Camping
- One-Pot Pasta
One-pot pasta is an easy and delicious meal that requires minimal prep work and cleanup. To make this meal, all you need is a pot, some water, and pasta. Once the water comes to a boil, add the pasta and cook until it’s al dente. Drain the water and add your favorite sauce, vegetables, and protein. Heat the mixture until the sauce is hot and serve. I, personally, use a cast iron pot over the campfire which I have LOVED. It has made cleanup when cooking over the fire so much easier! Be aware when using cast iron on your camp stove though, as it takes much longer to heat up than a normal pot or pan. (so you could potentially go through more propane)
- Campfire Quesadillas
Campfire quesadillas are a fun and easy meal that you can prepare over an open flame. To make this meal, place a tortilla on a piece of aluminum foil. Add cheese, vegetables, and protein of your choice. Fold the tortilla in half and wrap it in the foil. Place the foil packet on the campfire grate and cook until the cheese is melted. The Spicy Apron has a post with a great recipe for a delicious campfire chicken quesadilla.
- Foil Packet Salmon
Foil packet salmon is a flavorful and healthy meal that you can prepare on a campfire or grill. To make this meal, place a salmon fillet on a piece of aluminum foil. Add lemon slices, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Wrap the foil packet tightly and place it on the campfire grate. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
- Campfire Grilled Cheese
If you are anything like me, you can’t get too long without a good grilled cheese. Campfire grilled cheese is a classic comfort food that you can prepare over an open flame. To make this meal, place a slice of bread on a piece of aluminum foil. Add cheese and other toppings of your choice. Place another slice of bread on top and wrap the foil packet tightly. Place the foil packet on the campfire grate and cook until the cheese is melted.
- Couscous Salad
Couscous salad is a light and refreshing meal that you can prepare ahead of time and store in a cooler. To make this meal, cook couscous according to package directions. Add chopped vegetables, herbs, and protein of your choice. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and toss to combine. You can eat this salad cold or warm it up over a campfire. All Recipes has an article with 21 different recipe ideas for couscous salad. Definitely check it out!
- Chickpea Stew
Chickpea stew is a hearty and flavorful meal that you can prepare on a camp stove or over an open flame. To make this meal, heat olive oil in a pot, add chopped onion and garlic and cook until soft. Add canned chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and spices of your choice. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the stew is thick and flavorful.
- Campfire Chili
Campfire chili is a warm and filling meal that’s perfect for cool nights in the wilderness. To make this meal, cook ground beef or turkey in a pot. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, and other spices of your choice. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the chili is thick and flavorful. You can also make this a vegetarian option by using vegetarian meat, instead of real meat.
- Instant Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is a quick and easy breakfast that you can prepare in minutes. To make this meal, add instant oatmeal to boiling water and cook according to package directions. Add dried fruit, nuts, and honey to taste. This meal will provide you with the energy you need to tackle your day’s adventures.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are a flavorful and protein-packed meal that you can prepare over a campfire or grill. To make this meal, thread chicken onto skewers with vegetables of your choice. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over the campfire until the chicken is cooked through.
- Trail Mix
Trail mix is a portable and nutritious snack that you can take with you on your camping trip. To make this snack, mix together nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips. You can customize your trail mix with your favorite ingredients and store it in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
When you are on the go, road snacks are also very important to have. After spending years on a very restrictive diet while living in my van, I came up with 10 of the Best Road Trip Snacks When You are Vegetarian and Gluten Free.
These 10 easy recipes for solo camping are sure to keep you fueled and satisfied during your outdoor adventures. They require minimal prep work and cleanup, making them perfect for solo campers who want to spend more time exploring the great outdoors and less time cooking and cleaning up.
To make sure your meals are as delicious and nutritious as possible, be sure to pack high-quality ingredients and cooking equipment. You’ll also want to consider the climate and terrain of your camping destination when planning your meals. For example, if you’re camping in a hot and humid environment, you may want to focus on meals that are light and refreshing, such as couscous salad or grilled chicken skewers.
As far as the proper gear to bring, I personally use a Coleman 2 burner gas stove. I have been using the same one for over 5 years, and have LOVED it. I also have a smaller Fire Maple Jet Burner Set for backpacking trips, that has worked incredible for me for years!
All in all, with a little preparation and creativity, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying meals during your solo camping trip. Try out these 10 easy recipes and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own ingredients and cooking techniques. Happy camping and happy cooking!
